The
Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows pet
animals from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine
as long as they meet certain criteria. It also means that
people in the UK who 'meet' these conditions can take their
pets to these countries and bring them back without the
need for quarantine.

The
scheme: (PETS) only applies to domestic Cats and Dogs*
including registered assisted dogs (i.e. guide dogs and
hearing dogs.) It does not include any other animals like
rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters etc. The scheme is limited
and only operates from certain countries and territories
coming into the UK.

It
is against the law in Great Britain to possess certain types
of dogs and meeting the requirements of PETS will
not change that. Under the scheme which is also known as
PETS, animals can travel across Europe without the
need to be placed into quarantine for 6 months on their
return to the UK.

Joining PETS Passport Scheme: At least 6 months before
the date of travel into the UK: The dog or cat must be fitted
with a microchip. The animal must be vaccinated against
rabies. A blood test must be done to ensure that the above
vaccination will offer sufficient protection against rabies.

An official PETS certificate can then be obtained
from a government authorised vet and must be carried when
traveling. A declaration of residency form (PETS3) must
be signed which states that the animal has not been outside
any of the PETS qualifying countries in the 6 months before
entry or re-entry to the UK. 24 to 48 hours before returning
to the UK the animal must be treated for ticks and tapeworm
and a vet's certificate confirming this has been done obtained.

However
a certificate of health signed by a vet 24 hours before
departure is recommended for entry into Belgium and Holland.
For animals traveling to Belgium a EXP26 rabies certificate
is required and must have been issued at least 30 days before
travel.

Coming or going to Ireland? Pets that have first
entered the British Isles under the Scheme can then travel
between the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and
the Republic of Ireland without the need for extra documentation.
However, you are advised to take your pets documents with
you in case you need to show them.

1st
July 2011 - The UK's strict quarantine
rules for pets coming into the UK from abroad will be relaxed
from 1 January 2012. From this date the UK's pet
movement rules will be harmonised with the rest of the European
Union (EU), making it cheaper and easier for owners to travel
abroad with their pets

Protection
against rabies - From 1 January 2012, pets coming into the
UK will no longer have to spend six months in quarantine.

This
is because much-improved rabies vaccines and treatments
mean that quarantine, a practice dating from the 1800s,
is no longer necessary to protect the UK from rabies. However,
all pets will still need to be vaccinated against rabies.

Environment
Secretary Caroline Spelman said: "The UK’s quarantine system
was designed to combat the threat of rabies in the 19th
century and has now been left far behind by scientific advances.
It’s time we changed these outdated rules which have caused
hardship to generations of pets and pet owners, and those
who rely on assistance dogs, with too many animals cooped
up unnecessarily.

"The
EU’s pet movement scheme has been working very well for
nearly a decade, and it makes sense for us to have similar
rules. It means the UK will remain protected from rabies
and other exotic diseases while making it easier and cheaper
for people to take their pets abroad.”

Pets
from the EU and listed non-EU countries

Pets
from the EU and listed non-EU countries such as the USA
and Australia will no longer need a blood test and will
only have to wait 21 days before they travel.

Pets
from unlisted non-EU countries

Pets
from unlisted non-EU countries such as India, Brazil and
South Africa will be able to enter the UK if they meet strict
criteria to make sure they are protected against rabies.
The requirements include a blood test and a three
month wait before they enter the UK.

Tick
and tapeworm protection

Under
the new rules, pets returning to the UK will no longer have
to be treated for ticks. Pet owners travelling abroad with
their animals should discuss anti-tick treatments with their
vets. Tapeworm controls for dogs are expected to stay, with
a requirement that animals be treated between one and five
days before returning to the UK.

April
2006 - Report from The Riviera ReporterThose
who welcomed the UK Government's Travel Scheme (PETS) were
often disillusioned to find out how difficult it turned
out to be to take their dogs and cats across the Channel.
They could manage the formalities, but then found that means
to travel were limited. Low cost airlines like easyJet
and Ryanair don't accept animals, explaining that
any problem with a travelling pet could lengthen the turn-round
time of a flight. Eurostar refuses to allow dogs
and cats on their trains, claiming that many passengers
would find their prescence disagreeable. You can, though
fly your animal with BA, usually in the hold. But it's expensive:
dogs are charged by the kilo and on top there's a handling
fee of £85. One Riviera Reporter reader
said it had cost him £360 to bring a labrador from
London Heathrow to Nice. Animals travelling unaccompanied
are charged extra. Jilly Parker is lobbying Eurostar to
relax it rules.

Below
are some of the European airlines who will carry pets -
Many will allow small pets in the cabinResearched
in 2008 - Note 2012 some of these companies have been re-banded
or no longer exist.Please check on line with individual
organisation for present situation.

SWISS
International Air Lines -(from SWISSwebsite) can fly your pet Take your special companion
along with you when you travel. With SWISS, your
pet can travel on all flights to any destination of our
network either right next to you in the cabin or in cabin-like
conditions in the baggage compartment of the aircraft. This
site is meant to inform you about the conditions that apply
to either form of transport.Transport in the cabin You can
take your pet in the cabin if belongs to one of the following
categories: Dogs and cats Service animals such as seeing-eye
and hearing dogs.

The
animal must fulfil the following conditions: It must be
clean, healthy, harmless and odourless It must not be pregnant
It must not annoy passengers It must not exceed a weight
of 8 kg (including soft-sided container) Please note
that your pet must: Be booked in advance Be kept in a clean,
leak-proof, escape-proof and claw-proof, soft-sided container
providing enough room for the animal. The pet must be kept
in the container (including head and tails) during the whole
flight. Be kept under your seat during the whole flight
Please note that on A330/A340 First and Business
Class, due to the type of seats, it is not possible to stow
the animal under the seat. Therefore, the animal will be
placed for take-off and landing either: in the wardrobe
in the hat rack under another seat, in Economy Class, if
available.

Aer
Lingus - (from Aer Lingus website) Pets can be booked
on direct Ireland to USA Aer Lingus flights only. It is
the passenger's responsibility to ensure that they adhere
to the regulations of the country to which they are travelling.
All animals will be transported in the Cargo Hold.

British
Airways - (from British Airways website) How will my pet
travel? We offer two different ways for your pet to
travel: Accompanied Pets - allows you and your pet
to travel together on the same flight. The pet checks-in
with you at the passenger terminal and rejoins you on arrival
in the baggage hall at the destination airport. This service
is available to most British Airways destinations. Please
see below for restrictions. Unaccompanied Pets -
This product is available when you are unable to travel
with your pet, or your pet is not a cat or dog, or your
pet is travelling into the UK on the Pets Travel Scheme.
Your pet must be taken to our cargo terminal and should
be collected by you, or a nominated person, from the cargo
terminal at the destination airport.

British
Midland - BMI -(from BMI website) pets travelling within
or between UK & Ireland If you want to travel on the
same flight as your pet, simply notify our passenger reservations
team at the time of booking. The animal must be carried
in a suitable pet carrier (your vet can advise you of a
suitable type). Your pet will be checked-in as excess baggage
and will travel in the hold of the aircraft. Below is
a list of routes that bmi has been approved to operate the
pet travel scheme: Alicante to London Heathrow Amsterdam
to London Heathrow Brussels to London Heathrow Hanover to
London Heathrow Nice to London Heathrow Palma to London
Heathrow Paris to London Heathrow.

KLM
- Royal Dutch Airlines - (from KLM website) You have three
choices for transporting dogs and cats. In
the cabin: In certain cases, pets may travel in the cabin.
Consult KLM Reservations regarding the size and weight of
the kennel and other restrictions. In the hold: If the pet
is not allowable in the cabin, it may travel in the baggage
hold. As cargo: Pets traveling unaccompanied must be shipped
through KLM Cargo. Note: Pets can only be transported as
cargo to: Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, Oman, United Arab
Emirates, Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Embargoes
may also apply depending on the type of aircraft and season.
No cats allowed to Peru.

Iberia
- (from Iberia Website) Pets (such as dogs, cats, birds,
etc.) that
meet legal and documentary requisites, may be accepted as
hold or cabin luggage. In any case, the excess luggage rate
will be payable for their carriage. Admittance to the
hold: As a general rule, live animals must be carried
in the hold of aeroplanes, in suitable containers provided
by the passenger.Containers must have the following characteristics:
Durability and security Comfort, bearing in mind the size
of the animal Ventilation A lock that is guaranteed not
to open at any point A leakproof base. Admittance to
the cabin: At the request of the passenger, and subject
to authorisation from the booking office, certain pets may
be carried in the cabin, provided that they meet the following
conditions: The weight of the animal plus the container
or cage in which it is to travel may be no more than 8 kg.
The container may be a maximum of 45 cm in length, 35 cm
in width and 25 cm in depth, provided that the sum of those
3 measurements does not exceed 105 cm. Animals must be carried
in suitable containers (solid, ventilated and secure, and
with a leakproof base).

Such
containers may be provided by passengers or purchased from
Iberia. In the event of a container failing to meet the
minimum conditions for admittance, it will be rejected when
boarding. Birdcages must be durable and have a secure lock.
It must not be possible for food or drink to be spilled
therein. Additionally, cages must always be covered. In
the case of animals of reduced size or weight, several of
the same species may be admitted in a single container.
Under no circumstances will animals whose particular characteristics,
unpleasant odour, etc., may disturb other passengers or
the crew be admitted. Animals must travel with the passenger,
without disturbing those travelling alongside them. Passengers
carrying an animal in the cabin may not occupy seats in
rows corresponding to emergency exits. Under no circumstances
may animals be released from their containers inside the
cabin. Caring for the animals will be the responsibility
of the passenger.

Air
France - (from the Air France Website) - Want to bring your
pet along when you travel? To find out if your pet can
travel with you in the cabin, please call Air France Reservations
when booking your flight. In the cabin: limited to
dogs and cats weighing less than 5 kg service animals, such
as seeing-eye dogs, regardless of weight Restrictions: your
pet must be carried in a vented bag that remains on the
floor near your seat. To ensure the comfort and safety of
the other passengers, your pet must remain in its bag during
the flight. In the hold: The captain will be informed
that your pet is in the hold and will take the necessary
steps to ensure its comfort during the flight (lighting,
heating). Dogs and cats weighing more than 5 kg must be
transported in the hold.

Alitalia
- (from the Alitalia Website) Travelling with your pet in
safety and comfort - As of October 1, 2004,
there is a new EU law which requires cats and dogs to have
a passport when they travel to other member states. The
passport must be issued by a vet who has been designated
by the appropriate authority, and should contain information
about vaccinations and the animal’s general state of health.
Moreover, cats and dogs must have a legible tattoo on them,
or an electronic identification system (chip, or transponder).
Animals aged under three months cannot travel in Europe,
since the anti-rabies vaccine is not administered until
the animal is three months old. Unlike other countries,
Sweden, Ireland and the United Kingdom still enforce their
own laws, such as antiparasitic treatment against echinococcus
and ticks. Remember that in some countries there are bans
or limitations about bringing in certain animals. Pets are
considered “extra” to baggage allowance and are subject
to a supplementary fee that is calculated according
to the weight and number of animals (also depending on the
itinerary. Remember that some countries have regulations
restricting the entrance of certain types of animals. On
all of our transatlantic aircraft, pets are checked in as
registered baggage and travel in the hold. To find out if
your flight will allow your pet in the cabin*, please contact
your local Alitalia reservations call center.

Lufthansa
- (from the Lufthansa
Website) Pets - If
the respective country regulations permit the export, transit
and import we will transport your pet in the cargo compartment.
With advance reservation, small dogs and cats may also be
accepted in the cabin. Please note that the valid regulations
for the protection of animals have to be observed. Special
transport conditions apply for certain dog races. Your Lufthansa
sales office or your travel agent will be glad to inform
you about the details.

Taking
your pets by sea? - To and from England, France,
Belgium and the Netherlands Although
like your luggage the pet stays in your vehicle, most companies
charge you for this! The reason is that they will to read
your pet's identifying microchip and check its passport
and documentation to prove your pet has received all the
necessary vaccinations and treatments (e.g. rabies injection
and tick and worm treatment). Researched
in 2008 - Note 2012 some of these companies have been re-banded
or no longer exist.Please check on line with individual
organisation for present situation.

P&O
Ferries will
carry PETS on all services from Dover to Calais and Hull
to Rotterdam and Zeebrugge. They charge £15 each way
per pet.The P&O Ferries service from Portsmouth to Bilbao
does not take part in the Pet Travel Scheme due to the length
of the sailing, as this would be unsuitable for any pet
to travel. Pets
must remain in the vehicle during the crossing. Owners do
not have access to their pets during the crossing.

SeaFranceis
a pet friendly company and a dog, cat or ferret is classed
as another passenger. The price of the crossing for each
pet is included in the Calais-Dover leg (45 € per pet).
Their pet must remain within the vehicle (they are therefore
not allowed to travel if you are a foot passenger). Guide
dogs travel free of charge. We believe
this is no longer trading

Hoverspeed:
Charge £18 each way.
Pets must remain in the vehicle during the crossing. Owners
do not have access to their pets during the crossing. Pets
must be secured in a carrier during crossing. We believe this is no longer trading

Brittany
FerriesThey
charge from just £50 return for a cat or dog can travel
on any of their routes to France, in the comfort of the
owner car. If travelling to Spain the cost is from £60 return
and there are dedicated kennels available on board.

Norfolk
LineCharge
£20 per pet The
animals must stay in the vehicle at all times throughout
the crossing.Now
DFDS so info would have changed

EurotunnelCharge £30 from France to
England for cats, dogs and ferrets.Registered
guide dogs travel free of charge. Pet rabbits and rodents
(guinea pigs, mice) travel without a passport and are free
of charge!

DFDS
Seaways Charge £30 return for dogs
between Newcastle and Amsterdam. All pets must travel on
the car deck.

Taking
your pets by sea? - To and from England/Wales and IrelandYou
do not need a pet passport to travel between these countries,
however you will need one if your pet is travelling between
Ireland and France.

Stena
Line Do not charge - The pet must
remain in the car unless a kennel is available.

Irish
Ferries Do
not charge - The pet must remain in the car unless a kennel
is available.

Irish
Ferries
- Ireland to France - Charge €35 per animal per journey
for travel. This fee includes the use of a kennel on board.